# A student leaves a glass of cold water on a table in a warm room. After some time, the water reaches the same temperature as the room. Explain how energy is transferred from the warm air in the room to the cold water, and describe what happens to the particles of water as the water warms up.

> Eduqas A-Level Physics — 3.4 Thermal physics · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Energy is transferred from the warm air to the water by conduction and/or convection
2. Energy is transferred because there is a temperature difference between the warm air and the cold water
3. As the water warms up, the particles gain (kinetic/thermal) energy
4. The particles move faster / vibrate faster as the water warms up
5. When the water reaches the same temperature as the room, there is no longer a temperature difference, so there is no net transfer of energy

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Physics](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-leaves-a-glass-of-8729fb5d) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.